Demonstration of a Monolithically Integrated Hybrid Device for Simultaneous Power Generation and Data Modulation

A three-terminal, monolithically integrated InP photovoltaic (PV) device with an InGaAs/InAlAs electroabsorption modulator for simultaneous power generation and data modulation has been designed and experimentally validated. A discrete modulator with a data rate approaching 1 Mbps with an
on
/
off
ratio of 1.20 was demonstrated. The InP power generating junction of the monolithic device attained an AM0 efficiency of 14.1% for a 0.25 cm
²
area, with the efficiency loss primarily coming from the expected loss in the lateral conduction layer that was designed to minimize fractional power loss in the PV device and to minimize insertion loss at 1.55
$\mu$
m. The monolithically integrated device demonstrated the potential for data modulation up to 0.5 Mbps at 1.55
$\mu$
m. Simultaneous power generation and data modulation were observed in this monolithic device, and the device has application in areas such as low size, weight, power (SWaP) satellites, debris tagging, medical applications, and high altitude, long endurance unmanned aerial systems.